Group E should certainly be considered as the “Group of Death” as it contains two of the last three previous winners in Germany and Spain, who were drawn against Japan and Costa Rica.
Group E: Germany, Spain, Costa Rica, Japan
Germany are making their 19th appearance at the World Cup and will look to redeem themselves after they failed to make it past the group stages in 2018, while Spain will look to better their previous record of a 10th-place finish in the last World Cup after failing to make it past the last 16.
Costa Rica are only making their sixth appearance in the tournament with their best feat coming in 2014 when they reached the quarter-finals, while Japan are heading into their seventh tournament looking to surpass their record and make it past the round of 16.
Best match: Spain vs Germany
Headlining the Group E fixture list is the highly anticipated clash between Spain and Germany when the two teams do battle at the Al Bayt Stadium on November 27.
The teams have met four times in the World Cup, with Germany claiming a 2–1 group stage victory in 1966 followed by a 2–1 group stage win in 1982 before playing to a 1–1 group stage draw in 1994, and a 1–0 semi-final win for Spain in 2010.
Predicted qualifiers: Germany and Spain
The battle for first place will be a fierce fight between heavyweights Spain and Germany, while Costa Rica are most likely to finish in third place and Japan at the bottom of Group E.
Player to watch: Pedri
At the age of 19, Pedri will play a crucial role in the Spanish national team especially after winning the 2021 Golden Boys award. Pedri is a playmaker and has the capability of defending when needed. Their success at the World Cup could heavily rely on whether or not the midfield maestro can perform on the global stage.
Player that could surprise: Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala has quickly become an established player at Bayern Munich. He is their top scorer in the Bundesliga this season as he heads to the World Cup.
He has played for England Under-21, and he has already come back to haunt the Three Lions by helping them draw 3-3 at Wembley in September. The teenager could further stake his claim and one of the world’s best young players as he looks to impress and showcase his talent at the World Cup